Opponents Beware: Lifeguard on Duty

Four-year starter has unenviable task of protecting the quarterback

By Kirstie Hettinga
The Collegian

KYLE YOUNG should have thought about majoring in business. According to fellow teammates and Bulldog coaches Young is all business on the field.

Offensive line coach Derek Frazier said Young is a guy to rely on on the field. “He’s a very talented football player,” Frazier said. “He’s a guy who is a constant performer.”

The senior will continue the 2006 season as the Bulldogs’ starting center, with home opener Nevada being his 40th consecutive start. Young is often ranked among the top four centers in the country and has appeared on both the Outland Trophy Watch List and Rimington Watch List, which recognize top linemen nationwide.

Young said he was glad to be on the lists.

“It feels pretty good, our position we don’t get too much notice and hype, to have your name out there among the top in the country just makes you feel good about yourself,” he said.

Young said he has spent the summer trying to refine his skills. Though he had the opportunity to enter the NFL draft the criminology major decided to be a Bulldog for one more season.

“I talked to my coaches and just kind of figured it would be best for me to stay one more year,” Young said.

Head coach Pat Hill said “I don’t think he projected as high as he is capable of projecting.” Hill said this will be a year for Young to further develop his skills, including trying out other positions, such as tackle.

One of the biggest adjustments for Bulldog football this season is new quarterback Tom Brandstater and as a veteran at center, Young is working to stay constant. “I make them adjust to me,” he said. "Coach Frazier said he thinks it will be a smooth and easy transition."

Despite a new quarterback, Young’s teammates don’t have to worry when Young is on the field.

“On the field, he’s one of the best centers I’ve ever seen play, one of the best players I’ve ever been around,” said Ryan Wendell, a junior who plays left guard. “Kyle’s a real veteran, he just understands the offense,” he said.

Brandstater was announced as the Bulldogs’ quarterback at a press conference Monday.

“You can always count on him,” Brandstater said about Young. “He’s always in the right place, the right time and the ball is always there. You never have to worry about having trouble with Kyle on the football field,” Brandstater said.

Despite his all business attitude fellow Bulldogs said Kyle is looser off the field.

“He’s a funny guy, fun to be around,” Wendell said.

Branstater agreed, “he [Young] is always one to make you laugh in between plays.” Brandstater also added, “he’s a good guy to barbecue with.”

After two seasons of playing side-by-side Wendell said it will be different with Young gone next year.

“The longer you work with someone the more you trust them, so it’s good being with Kyle a long time,” Wendell said. “It’ll be different because I’ve always played next to him.”

Young is planning ahead as well. “I dreamed someday I’d be able to go pro and now that I have an opportunity I want to take it,” he said.

Young said with his efforts to go to the NFL, he may not complete his degree. “I’m not really a school guy,” he said.

“I’m going to be looking to go pro instead of getting my degree,” Young said, adding that he would someday like to play for the San Diego Chargers, near his hometown of Fallbrook.

Though Young is looking beyond this season, it is the main thing on his mind. Coach Hill said, “I think this could be a real big year for him.”

All the players are looking forward to the upcoming season, especially to the opener against Nevada after last season’s loss.

“Last year was a tough one to swallow. Looking up to that one.” Young said. He said he will continue to lead by example this season. “Doing the right thing, doing all the small details,” is what Young says will get the job done.

“His intelligence is what separates him and makes him a great leader. The guy’s just a sturdy, sturdy competitor. He’s got a chance to go on and play this game after college.”

Brandstater knows Young has made his mark on Bulldog football. “A lot of guys respect him and he deserves the respect that he gets, he’s a warrior,” Brandstater said.

A warrior who is getting down to the business of football.

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